Prescription for a Healthy Business
Faced with rising income inequality, high unemployment levels, an aging population and sky-rocketing obesity levels, leading companies are adopting business strategies to improve public health outcomes. In research I conducted for Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) on the qualities of transformational companies, these trail blazers are “solutions oriented” and “inclusive”, and seek to address systemic social issues through their core business.
Making products a force for social good – not just “less bad”
Transformational companies integrate sustainability into the full lifecycle of product and service design, use and disposal. They advance sustainability through continuous improvement of core products and services.
It’s Time for Transformational Corporate Water Leadership
Water is high on the 10-year risk list. Too much, too little, contaminated, pure – “water crises” is identified in the recently released World Economic Forum’s 2015 Global Risks Report as one of the most likely and most impactful risks over the next decade. It shares the stage with climate change, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse – all of which involve water.
Changing the lens, the focus, everything
For 25 years, I’ve developed CSR strategies. And now I see that CSR is becoming business as usual. You’d think I’d be celebrating. But I’m not – because CSR has stalled.
Wikirate: Online tool accelerates stakeholder accountability and transparency
Readers may be interested in the launch of Wikirate.org, a new online resource with the ambitious vision of becoming a Wikipedia for corporate social responsibility. Vishal Kapadia, Executive Director of Wikirate describes this resource and its value in this guest post.
The Transformational College
Education has changed many people’s lives for the better. Now the education sector has the potential to play a powerful role in the future health of our communities and larger world. Having worked in recent years to reduce their operational environmental impacts, many Canadian educational institutions are ready for the next stage on the sustainability journey.
From Everydayism to Transformational Social Sustainability
Who wants to be stuck in “everydayism”? It may be comfy but it’s not very dynamic. Here’s a way out. Recently I published a how-to guide for business on how to go beyond “everdayism” to foster sustained social benefits in communities and markets.
The Water Imperative: New Standards in Corporate Water Leadership
No one should take water for granted. Whether it’s too much, too little or poor quality, water security is a top global issue. Virtually every product requires water at some point in its production, manufacturing or use. Water shortages and lack of access to clean, fresh water are two top global risks – and by 2030 global water consumption is expected to rise by 40%.
Europe adopted a groundbreaking CSR directive – what’s the status in Canada?
Recently the European Commission adopted a groundbreaking CSR directive. It applies to 6,000 large companies with over 500 employees. Effective 2017, it directs them to disclose information on policies, risks and outcomes related to environmental matters, social and employee-related aspects, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery issues, and boards director diversity.
Creating business value while generating social value
Business knows how to create value but today’s most progressive businesses are using business value to generate social value – and vice versa.
Watch and share Sustainability Illustrated – Simple, engaging, informative sustainability videos
A guest blog by Alexandre Magnin, sustainability consultant and illustrator.
Help make CSR disclosure law
The Canadian government is currently conducting consultation on the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) – they are seeking submissions until May 15, 2014. I have drafted a submission focused on CSR reporting and would like your input.